March 20 is the first day of Spring, but did you know that it is also the International Day of Happiness?
For this week’s Feel Good Friday, we’ll discuss happiness and how to begin searching for it.
Per DayofHappiness.net, “As we face a global crisis together, let’s find positive ways to look after ourselves and each other.”
The website went on to say that there are three positive steps to take when facing difficult times; keep calm, stay wise, be kind (this year’s theme.)
Going farther than that, what are some other ways to begin searching for happiness?
Dr. Max Pemberton, a psychiatrist, says that the trick is, “to find the positives in the negative situations.” (Click here for 10 pieces of advice that he believes will make people happier)
Many times, this is easier said than done. Often, individuals feel that happiness is a constant, and that in order to be happy they must avoid their negative emotions in an attempt to rush back to their “happy state.”
However, per the Huffinton Post, this has an adverse effect. Per their article “9 Things Therapists Do When They Want To Feel Happier,” by Dominique Astorino, On Assignment For HuffPost, “It might be tempting to squash your terrible mood by suppressing that negativity, but you’re actually not doing yourself any favors. Instead, experts tell their patients ― and themselves ― to let themselves feel whatever emotions that pop up.”
In fact, telling your feelings to “shut up” as opposed to asking them “what’s up” can make a situation worse, according to Heidi Ligouri, a licensed counselor and motivational speaker.
At the end of the day, the true path to happiness isn’t something you read on a website. It’s a deeply personal, unique journey that only you have the ability to walk. That’s not to say you have to walk the path alone. There are several resources available out there, including time with a licensed psychiatrist.
If you’d like help with your happiness journey, please don’t hesitate to stop by optimaelifeservices.com/mentalhealthmatters to begin today!